Why Make This Recipe
Viral Anna Paul’s Turkish Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Turkish cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, weeknight meal, or even for impressing your guests. This recipe combines the richness of ground beef with creamy Greek yogurt and vibrant spices, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to make, so you can whip up a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Viral Anna Paul’s Turkish Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pan with the cooked ground beef and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato puree (if using), paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Yogurt: Stir in the full-fat Greek yogurt until well combined. If your yogurt is too tart, add a touch of honey or sugar to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling salted water. Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the starchy pasta water (about 1/4 cup).
- Assemble and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Plate the pasta and enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Viral Anna Paul’s Turkish Pasta
Serve this Turkish pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. You can also offer some additional Greek yogurt on the side for those who enjoy an extra creamy texture. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Viral Anna Paul’s Turkish Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Viral Anna Paul’s Turkish Pasta
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick!
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; it’s delicious no matter the form.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them before serving.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Print
Viral Anna Paul’s Turkish Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful and comforting Turkish pasta dish with ground beef, Greek yogurt, and vibrant spices, perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato puree, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Greek yogurt until combined. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin sauce.
- Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg